The US government has increased visa fees for non-immigrants by $31 (approximately Frw16, 740), up from the current $100 (about Frw54, 000).

The increment takes effect January 1, 2008, according to a press release issued yesterday by the US Embassy in Kigali.

The amount is non-refundable. The statement attributed the increase to improved security measures, which have come with more costs. It explained: ‘Effective January 1, the Department of State will be paying for the FBI ten-fingerprint name check services, and (it) must raise the visa application fee to avoid significant financial shortfall.’

Applicants who would have paid the $100 before January 1, 2008, will be allowed visa interviews, the statement said. ‘After this deadline any applicant who will appear for interviews will have to pay the new $131 visa fee,’ it added.Ends

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